The 60-year old kidnapped victim of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte was rescued by operating troops Wednesday, after two weeks being held captive by ISIS-Inspired Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf in Sirawai, WestMinCom reported.
“We are happy to inform the public that our operating troops successfully rescued abducted farmer, Rex Triplitt at 10:30 in the morning today,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.
While conducting combat operations against the perpetrators of Rex Triplitt, troops of the 42nd Infantry Battalion encountered five armed men at Sitio Banalan, Brgy. Pisa Itom, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, September 30, 2020.
“Based on the initial report from the ground, the five are members of the Sulu-based Daesh Inspired- Abu Sayyaf/kidnap for ransom group under Injam Yadah, a.k.a. Injam,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.
Rex Triplitt was heading home onboard a motorcycle when he was abducted on September 16, 2020.
“Our troops were acting on information of the presence of five fully-armed men and one unarmed individual, believed to be Mr. Triplitt, in their community,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan Commander.
“When the five engaged with the operating troops, Mr. Triplitt found an opportunity to hide and ask for help,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.
Lt. Gen. Vinluan stated that the intensified intelligence monitoring and the unwavering support of the concerned citizens led to the rescue of Rex Triplitt.
“He is now being checked in a health center in Sirawai and we will facilitate his immediate evacuation for further medical check-up and debriefing thereafter,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.
(Source: Western Mindanao Command)